Hi all. Thank you for taking the time to hear Emery’s story.

Emery was born just shy of 29 weeks, at which point she suffered brain bleeds causing a category of brain damage called PVL. She spent 4 long months in the NICU before finally coming home. PVL is the leading cause of cerebral palsy, and at 1 year old, Emery was diagnosed with spastic quad CP. This means all four of her limbs are affected by extreme tightness. CP has also caused severe delays with all things motor for Emery as she cannot sit unassisted, crawl, walk, talk, etc. She is G-tube dependent. Tightness in her four limbs will make walking very fatiguing and difficult, if not impossible. She will need an assistive device, wheelchair included.

As her mother, I dove deep into all the things we could do for her beyond therapy. I came across a Facebook group for parents of those caring for a child/adult with CP. This is how I learned about a surgery called SDR. Basically, it cuts parts of muscle that are tight to release them. The success rate is astonishing. While she wouldn’t be ready for this till around age 4, we have to prepare now because unfortunately, the cost is anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000; Insurance does not help or cover it. We would have to travel to St. Louis and would need to take substantial time off work to care for her thereafter as the surgery is painful and requires intensive therapies thereafter.

We are asking for any help to hopefully be able to afford this surgery for our special girl in the near future. We are a family of 9, and at the end of each month, we have virtually nothing to save. This procedure would be unattainable if only on us. Help us give our daughter, who spreads joy through smiles to anyone who is lucky enough to know her, the gift of hope. Share, share, share if nothing else! God bless you all ❤️